SDLP 'Frustrated' Over Talks Update

The SDLP has been left "frustrated" following the Secretary of State's update on talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Leader Colum Eastwood said the public have been left "none the wiser" and that Karen Bradley "gave cover to the secret talks of the DUP and Sinn Féin".

Mr Eastwood said: "People watching received a good and accurate insight into how the all-party meeting proceeded on Monday of this week. This is not an inclusive talks process and the governments should no longer pretend that it is.

"After the anti-climax of today's 'milestone', people across the North will rightly be asking the question as to just how long this farce can go on?

"Both the DUP and Sinn Féin must be made to feel pressure and they have to be made to feel consequence - that's the job of the two governments and it's long past time that they performed that duty. They are the two sovereign governments who are there to guarantee and protect all of our political agreements. People will thank them for taking charge."

Mr Eastwood called for a joint paper to be published outlining views on what represents a fair deal which can finally restore local government.

He concluded that all parties should be publicly challenged to sign up to the deal or reject it.

Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017.

(CD)